According to the officers, Tatingal violated the state’s traditional moratorium, which bans non-citizens of the state from fishing in Ngarchelong’s waters without permission from the state’s traditional leaders.
The officers towed Tatingal’s boat to Ollei Port. The officers proceeded to take an inventory of the things in the boat and were by traditional chiefs who were at the port to truck the boat to the state’s office. According to the officers, Tatingal had taken at least 9 giant clams – each averaging about a foot-and-half in length – of which he had discarded most parts except for the muscles. In addition, the officers reported that Tatingal had thrown away some of his catch as his boat was towed to the port – some of which were identified as fish that should not be taken.The state’s traditional leaders met on Sunday June 7 and setTatingal’s fine at $10,000. A meeting with Tatingal to discuss his violation of the moratorium and the release of his boat will commence sometimes this week. Tatingal becomes the fourth person caught violating the state’s traditional moratorium since it was established about three years ago. The moratorium, according to the chiefs, has been well publicized andthere should be no mistake about its intent.
